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Trevor and Zachary both played for SB Frankfort AFC and Marshall played for Lakeside Athletic.

At a recent awards ceremony held at the Plymouth Guildhall, officers who attended the scene received Chief Superintendent Certificates.

Guests at the ceremony heard how PCs Andrew Trott-Rodgers and Alex Freeman arrived at the traumatic scene within minutes of the incident.

Their citation noted many motorists had stopped and were “yelling for help”.

The two officers made the area safe and, with swift professional updates, colleagues had an understanding of what was required.

The citation noted: “Although nothing could be done for the victims the officers ensured bystanders were safe on a fast road in extreme weather conditions.

“Both officers showed exceptional professionalism and courage to make quick, difficult decisions when faced with an extremely challenging incident.”

In addition, Sgt David O’Para was commended for his work assisting the crime scene manager and the fire service to manage the team in the recovery process.

His citation stated: “He remained calm and objective showing extremely high levels of leadership and professionalism and ensuring his staff were properly briefed and supported.”

PCs Steven Brooks and Daniel Pen-Collings, were commended for their work alongside crews from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, which saw them climb inside the remains of the vehicle, “in a highly dangerous and contaminated environment, to help remove the deceased who were badly trapped”.

Their citation noted: “They enabled those who had been tragically killed to be recovered with dignity and professionalism in the most demanding of circumstances.”

Plymouth police commander Chief Supt Dave Thorne said: “This was a desperately sad incident which has impacted on the lives of many.

“I would just like to thank everyone involved for all they did that night and my thoughts are with the families of the victims.”